Stay Connected in Okinawa: Best eSIM Tips for Travelers and Recommend eSIM plans
Updated : 2025-01-30 18:49:52
Many people visiting Japan as tourists choose to stay in Okinawa. Having reliable internet access during your trip is crucial. However, there are frequent issues where communication gets interrupted while staying in Okinawa. This guide summarizes important points to ensure smooth communication in Okinawa.
Reasons Why Pocket WiFi, SIM Cards, or eSIMs May Not Work in Okinawa
Some smartphones may not support the frequency bands needed for communication in Okinawa. Additionally, some network providers may not offer full coverage in Okinawa. This is especially true for remote islands, where connectivity issues are more likely to occur.
To maintain stable communication in Okinawa, you need a mobile network with wide and reliable coverage.
Mobile Network Conditions of Major Providers in Okinawa
| Provider | Features |
|---|---|
| KDDI | Operates in collaboration with a local Okinawa-based company, offering extensive coverage and stable connectivity even on remote islands. |
| NTT Docomo | Japan's largest provider with extensive coverage, offering fast speeds in urban areas and usability on remote islands. |
| SoftBank | Stable in urban areas but may experience instability on remote islands (based on 2023 user feedback). |
| Rakuten Mobile | Covers 99.92% of the population, with 4G/5G available on Okinawa's main island, though coverage may be unstable on some remote islands or mountainous areas. |
As of January 2025, Docomo and KDDI are the most recommended for stable communication in Okinawa. However, if you're staying in larger cities like Naha, any network should suffice. For travelers planning to visit islands or drive around Okinawa Prefecture, it is better to choose eSIMs or Pocket WiFi from Docomo or KDDI.
Choosing the Right eSIM or Pocket WiFi for Reliable Communication in Okinawa
1. Choose Docomo or KDDI Networks
Docomo and KDDI networks offer wide coverage and stable communication in both urban areas and remote islands. For visitors traveling beyond Okinawa, eSIMs or Pocket WiFi using Docomo's network are optimal. Docomo has the largest coverage in Japan.
2. Opt for a High-Capacity Data Plan
While traveling, you might need large amounts of data for using map apps, watching videos, or posting on social media. Choosing a high-capacity data plan allows you to enjoy your trip without worrying about data limits.
Benefits of High-Capacity Data Plans
- Reliable Internet Usage: Frequent internet use, such as map navigation, searching for sightseeing information, or uploading photos to social media, is worry-free with a high-capacity plan.
- Video Calls and Streaming: Enjoy video calls or streaming during long travels.
- Hotspot Usage: With a high-capacity data plan, you can use your smartphone as a hotspot to connect multiple devices, such as tablets and laptops, to the internet simultaneously.
Comparing eSIM and Pocket WiFi
When considering how to secure internet access during your trip, many people debate between eSIM and Pocket WiFi. For stays of less than 30 days, eSIM is recommended.
Advantages of eSIM
- Convenience: eSIMs do not require you to carry a physical device; you can set it up directly on your smartphone, reducing luggage.
- Stable Connection: eSIMs utilizing NTT Docomo or au networks ensure stable communication over wide areas.
For longer stays, Pocket WiFi is advantageous in terms of cost, as it offers higher data capacity and can connect multiple devices to the internet. However, for stays of less than 30 days, eSIMs with high-capacity plans are a more affordable option, especially those offered by Japanese companies.
eSIM vs. Pocket WiFi : Which is better for traveling in Japan?
Recommended eSIM Plans and Prices
Here are the recommended eSIM options. These were selected based on the following three reasons:
- Large data capacity.
- Uses either Docomo or KDDI networks.
- Supports tethering (usable as a hotspot).
*Note: Depending on the eSIM provider, the network may be listed as KDDI or au. Both refer to the same network.
| Provider | Network | Days | Data | Price (JPY) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Travel Mobile | docomo | 8 | 30GB | 3,200 |
| Travel Mobile | 16 | 50GB | 3,800 | |
| Travel Mobile | 30 | 50GB | 4,900 | |
| Sakura Mobile | docomo | 8 | Unlimited (3GB/day) | 4,950 |
| 16 | Unlimited (3GB/day) | 7,370 | ||
| 30 | Unlimited (3GB/day) | 9,900 | ||
| Japan Wireless | docomo | 8 | Unlimited (3GB/day) | 4,680 |
| 16 | Unlimited (3GB/day) | 7,956 | ||
| 30 | Unlimited (3GB/day) | 11,232 | ||
| Ubigi | docomo | 30 | 10GB | 2,600 |
| 30 | 50GB | 9,700 | ||
| airalo | KDDI/Softbank | 30 | 20GB | 4,030 |
Sakura Mobile and Japan Wireless offer unlimited plans. However, these plans are subject to a Fair Usage Policy (FUP), which throttles the speed after exceeding 3GB per day. While using more than 3GB per day is unlikely for most users, here is how the daily limit translates over the duration of your trip:
- 8 days x 3GB = 24GB
- 16 days x 3GB = 48GB
- 30 days x 3GB = 90GB